Here is more information on when baby is not latching on yet , sore nipples , and getting a good start on breastfeeding. Although nipple shields should be used only after other options have been tried, it is better to have a baby on the breast with a shield than not on the breast at all!
There is also a variety of shield with a cutout that allows for more skin-to-skin contact than the typical shield. Using a baby bottle nipple on the breast is never a good recommendation. Here are a couple of things to keep an eye on until baby is weaned from the shield. By following through with the precautions that outlined below, you should be able to avoid or head off any problems:.
Be sure not to make this a battle with the baby, or he will resist more. As long as your baby is gaining weight well, then you have some time to play with. Keep trying as often as you can, and give it some time. Although nipple shields can make a world of difference for nursing moms and their babies, they can have drawbacks.
Nipple shields are designed to be a temporary solution while your baby learns how to breastfeed on her own. Ideally, you should wean your baby off of the nipple shield with the help of a lactation consultant. To wean, you can try the following:. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.
This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Kameelah Phillips, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Nipple shields can make breastfeeding easier and less painful for some moms, but it's important to know how to use them correctly.
Back to Top. In This Article. Making sure your let-down reflex happens will help ensure that your baby is getting your milk through the nipple shield. It is important that you know the signs of your baby getting enough breastmilk through the nipple shield. A nipple shield can be cleaned in the same way as you would clean any equipment involved with expressing your breastmilk. See our article on electric breast pumps for more information. With clean hands, you can just rinse it in cold water after use, then wash it in hot soapy water and rinse under hot running water.
Drain, dry eg with paper towel and store in a clean covered container that has been cleaned in the same way. When it comes to weaning off a nipple shield, many mothers find it helpful to seek the support of a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant.
Some mothers find that weaning off a nipple shield can be a bit tricky. Some tips that can help when it comes to weaning off a nipple shield include:. Breastfeeding: Breast and Nipple Care tells you what to expect as your breasts change during pregnancy and briefly covers how breastfeeding works. The information on this website does not replace advice from your health care providers.
Nipple shields What is a nipple shield? When is a nipple shield used? How to use a nipple shield When using a nipple shield, it is important to learn how to use it properly. Tips for using a nipple shield: Express a few drops of your breastmilk onto the inside of the nipple shield. This will help prevent chafing and help to improve the seal that the nipple shield makes with your breast.
Express a few drops of your breastmilk into the tip of the nipple shield, where the holes are. This will help encourage your baby to attach. Stretch the brim of the nipple shield somewhat outwards. Keeping the brim stretched, place the nipple shield centrally over the nipple, onto the breast, to help draw some of the nipple and areola into the crown of the shield as you release the stretch.
Hold the nipple shield in place with your fingers on the outside edges. There should be a small space between the end of your nipple and the end of the crown of the nipple shield. If your nipple touches the end of the crown of the nipple shield, then the nipple shield is too small for you.
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